One of the great things about my kids starting school before Labor Day is this: instead of last minute travel and running around getting school stuff ready, we do the exact opposite! Since we moved to Virginia in 2007 we’ve always used Labor Day weekend as a time to relax, rest and spend time together as a family.
Last weekend was no different. We checked out a new local restaurant Friday night and asked the kids what each of them wanted to do this weekend. Mini golf is always at the top of the list, along with family movie night and bowling. Easy enough! We went to the driving range and played mini golf Saturday (played a fabulous new course for us), used an amazing Bambino babysitter and went to Quarterdeck for dinner. Sunday was spent working and playing outside and then watching a major tearjerker, Wonder, for family movie night.
When Monday came around, we went on a family hike in the morning and found a great new playground that my kids could’ve stayed at for HOURS. My husband, Tommy, and I were exhausted by the time we got home! Things got quiet and when my son asked when we could go bowling, I shrugged him off with I don’t even remember what. And so, the note:
He folded it up, dropped it next to me on the couch and ran back upstairs. I read it, sailed it across the room to Tommy, and we looked at each other and jumped off the couch, telling the kids to get their shoes on. We had 2 hours before soccer practice and both would’ve liked to stay home watching Netflix but a little guilt goes a long way! It was a good lesson for us- sometimes I forget that little people are still people. Was it bowling that he really wanted to do? Probably not…what he really wanted was to keep spending time with us. Not to mention, the one game we had time to play took less than an hour, made all of the kids happy and cost less than $14 with Bowl America’s awesome Summer Blast pass (don't worry, they're still offering a version of it year round!).
I am not a perfect parent but part of parenting is remembering that it’s not material items and stuff that kids really want, it’s being together and being active participants with them in life. The next time your kid asks…play the game, take the bike ride, shoot hoops, listen to them, even just for 15 minutes. I promise you will see a difference in your children, but most importantly, in YOU!
Best,
Alicia
